‘Tis the season to be harried, but not when you’re spending it with Real Simple magazine.

From Dec 8 to 13, The Real Simple Holiday Pop-Up Shop, presented by Citi, opened at Bryant Park in a mission to make the holidays more simpler and enjoyable through expert tips and cooking demonstrations, affordable gift shopping and makeovers. Along the way, we at genConnect began to follow thee in merry measure.

“The 2011 Real Simple Holiday Pop-Up Shop encapsulated the holiday spirit — with music, gifts, apple cider, children playing and great company,” said genConnect CEO Nancy Spears. “Through our video interviews with a myriad of experts, Real Simple editors and celebrities, we are able to offer people at home tips they can use to not feel so stressed during the holidays and actually enjoy the season.”

Spending the holidays in the heart of New York City gave us the opportunity to also visit some of our most cherished friends and locations – from Chef Jonathan Kinsella at Épicerie Boulud and Caroline Hirsch, founder of Carolines on Broadway,to architect of The World Trade Center site Daniel Libeskind and Ramona Singer, most recognized as a “Real Housewife of New York City” with daughter Avery.

Charles Best of DonorsChoose.org at Real Simple Holiday Pop-Up Shop

What did genConnect get out of this experience most of all? It’s far better joy to give than to receive.

Real Simple and DonorsChoose.org teamed up to double your donations this holiday season. Visit DonorsChoose.org/realsimple, pick your charity, and at the “checkout,” enter promo code REALSIMPLE — and just like that — every $1 you give turns into $2.

So find the tips you’re looking for to make your holiday season easier at genConnect.com and Real Simple! Happy Holidays!

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